Today, there are more than 2 million real estate agents in the United States alone. If you are a first-time home buyer, the agent you choose must meet specific requirements. If you make the wrong choice, it could cost you THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
Remember that when buying or selling, you are the boss. And, like any good supervisor, you should interview at least three real estate agents before choosing who will represent you. But what happens if you don’t know what to ask an agent? There’s no reason to worry! Here are ten questions to ask potential Kansas City Real Estate Agents.
10 Essential Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent
- How long have you been a real estate agent in the market?
- How many clients have you helped?
- What’s your buyer-to-seller ratio?
- What is your average list price/sales price ratio?
- Are you equipped to manage my unique scenario?
- What area do you cover?
- Do you need a pre-approval before seeing homes?
- Will you assist me in finding other vendors?
- What’s your commission rate?
- What questions do you want to ask me?
1. How Long Have You Been a Real Estate Agent in the Market?
This is not the moment to offer a significant break to an agent who recently acquired his real estate license. Believe it or not, a reputable agent with years of experience has learned things that can only be learned when working full-time in the real estate industry.
By considering experienced Kansas City Real Estate Agents, you at least know you have someone with a successful track record. Another crucial aspect is: Location, location, and location! If you want to purchase a property in Kansas City, you don’t need an agent who specializes in New Orleans. That is the basic thing, right?
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2. How Many Clients Have You Helped?
One way to find out about a real estate agent’s background is to ask them this question. It’s a better measure of experience than asking, ‘How long have you been in business?’ Some Real Estate Agents have been in the industry for decades and have serviced only five customers. In contrast, some agents have only a couple of years in the real estate industry and have assisted 50+ customers. The choice is yours!
At this time, how many customers is your real estate agent assisting? This is another excellent question since if they have too many clients, they will not have as much time to serve you when you need it. For sellers, you’ll want to learn more about the client’s experiences. Request to see reviews and contact details.
3. What’s Your Buyer-to-Seller Ratio?
Many agents deal primarily with buyers and sellers. Most teams have dedicated buyers and listing agents. This question will help get a better chance to shortlist your agent. If your realtor has only dealt with purchasers, how can they have a realistic understanding of what is going on from the seller’s perspective? The fact is that you want to sell your present home and purchase a new one, so having Kansas City Real Estate Agents supervise the entire process can make things a lot smoother.
4. What is Your Average List Price/Sales Price Ratio?
The response to this question will vary depending on the market, but it is still a strong sign of your potential agent’s experience and ability. Leaving aside the odd red-hot seller’s market, a smart agent should be able to negotiate a lower sale price than the seller’s list price. The agreement is that a selling agent’s ratio should approach 100%, whereas a buyer-agent ratio should go below 99%.
5. Are You Equipped To Manage My Unique Scenario?
6. What Area Do You Cover?
Some agents are local specialists, while others will go halfway across the country to find you your dream home. In most cases, someone in the middle of things is the best option. Because of the Internet, agents may now have a greater awareness of a bigger region than ever before. Since it is hard to cover a whole state while being intimately familiar with local markets.
When you have a “local expert,” they may try to fit you into a shoe that does not fit. Partner with Kansas City Real Estate Agents who work in and near your chosen location.
7. Do You Need a Pre-Approval Before Seeing Homes?
Clients spend months hunting for a property to buy before finding one. It is not until this stage that they begin consulting with a mortgage provider, and they frequently discover that they are not approved to buy the home. If you want to look at houses without a mortgage pre-approval, you’re wasting everybody’s time.
8. Will You Assist in Finding Other Professionals/Vendors?
Your real estate agent is not the only expert you will need to work with during the tricky process of a real estate transaction. Your realtor should be competent and eager to link you with those other specialists and businesses. Why so? Because you will also have to deal with home inspectors, mortgage brokers, title agencies, and (sometimes) contractors.
A proficient agent will have the ability to refer you to experienced, skilled individuals. Keep in mind that, under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, you can pick who you wish to deal with at any time.
9. What’s Your Commission Fee?
Buyer and seller agents are commonly compensated with a commission (for example, 3% or more of the purchase price of a property), although the amount varies depending on the scenario in the U.S. That is why you should always discuss real estate costs openly with the agent upfront so you know precisely what to expect.
This is not to say that you should rush to get the lowest agent possible. You aim to make the greatest money, not to pay the least amount in fees. It is always preferable for you in the long run to work with the best agent you can find, not necessarily the one with the lowest prices. Don’t take shortcuts here!
10. What Questions Do You Want to Ask Me?
Believe it or not, this is the most essential question you’ll ever ask. The questions one asks reveal their genuine state of mind. Here is where the best Kansas City Real Estate Agents shine. If they take the time to get to know you and your objectives, needs, and requirements from this transaction, that is a good sign of client-centered service that cannot be replaced.
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Red Flags to Avoid
When searching for a realtor, keep an eye out for warning flags. For example, if an agent is difficult to reach or avoids direct questioning, this is an alarm. Additionally, be wary of agents that make false claims. Furthermore, a realtor without an internet presence may be inactive in today’s digital market. When selecting a realtor, look for the following possible red flags.
- Lack of communication – If they don’t answer quickly, it’s a sign that they don’t prioritize your requirements.
- Unrealistic promises – Be aware of brokers that promise speedy sales at high prices, since this might be a red signal.
- No Internet presence – Additionally, a professional realtor should have a strong web footprint to show their activity and credibility.
The Final Words
Each agent has clients. However, the greatest Kansas City Real Estate Agents provide excellent service to almost every customer. To confidently select a realtor to work with, ask the above questions to guarantee a relaxing buying and selling experience. If you want to purchase or sell a house in Kansas City, MoJo KC Real Estate Team can assist! Our professional agents are committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring that your real estate transaction goes as smoothly as possible. Contact MoJo KC Real Estate now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to know before hiring a realtor?
Before selecting a realtor, inquire about their experience and track record in your target location. Make sure they understand your requirements, are available for frequent updates, and have a good negotiation experience. Also, make their commission structure clear upfront.
How do you choose the best estate agent?
Look for Kansas City Real Estate Agents with appropriate experience, extensive area knowledge, and favorable customer feedback. Make sure they communicate properly and quickly. Trust their knowledge in pricing, staging, and contract negotiations. They must comprehend your objectives and priorities.
What not to ask a real estate agent?
Asking personal inquiries irrelevant to the business is best avoided. Do not request insider knowledge that may jeopardize ethics or legality. Also, avoid obtaining information about private clients or agreements that have nothing to do with your transaction.
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